The Middle East Unveiled: A cultural and practical guide for all Western business professionals

Why did Mr Abdul Rahman Hassan seem uncomfortable when I asked him if his Christian name was Abdul?A" Many organisations new to the Middle East become very successful; many more struggle, and some will fail altogether. Often, the difference between a successful organisation and one that fails is that organisation's level of cultural intelligence. Cultural intelligence has never been more important as businesses globalise, especially in parts of the world that are very different to markets in the West. Cultural and social mistakes can cost businesses dearly. Learning how to do business in the Middle East without causing offence is crucial. This book provides cultural and practical business intelligence for all Western business people working throughout the Middle East. It also focuses on issues specifically important to Western businesswomen, as well as for men who might be working with Arab and Muslim women. It can make the difference between success and failure for the reader and his or her organisation. AUTHOR BIOG: Donna Marsh first travelled to the Middle East in 1978. She has worked as a businesswoman in her own right for much of her 30 year career in corporate sales, marketing and new business development roles in the fields of banking and information technology, travelling throughout the Levant, Egypt and the Gulf Countries, including Saudi Arabia. As founder of Culture Unveiled, she now provides cross cultural business consultancy services to professionals in a variety of multinational corporate and governmental organisations. www.cultureunveiled.com CONTENTS: Introduction1. Culture, Stereotypes and Generalisations2. Defining the Middle East3. An Introduction To Islam4. Islam and Business5. Other Religions and Business6. Safety and Security7. Business Travel To and Within The Middle East8. Clothing and Dress Codes9. Ready For Business10. Meeting and Greeting11. Taboos12. Attitudes To Western Business People13. Communicating in The Middle East14. Getting Down To Business15. Business and Socialising16. Getting Results17. Free Time18. Is Working in The Middle East For Me?19. FinallyRecommended ReadingUseful WebsitesGlossary Of Arabic TermsIndexAbout The Author.